After its much-anticipated debut on December 4, The Abandons has garnered a fair share of attention, but not all of it has been positive. With a star-studded cast featuring Lena Headey (Game of Thrones) and Gillian Anderson (The X-Files), the series brings a fresh take on the Western genre, but its reception has been divided. Despite mixed reviews, the show quickly made its way onto Netflix’s Top 10 charts, leaving fans eagerly questioning whether the streamer will renew it for a second season. Here’s a deep dive into everything we know about the potential for a second season of The Abandons, including what fans can expect if the series does return.
The Abandons: A Brief Overview
The Abandons is set in the rugged and lawless landscape of the Old West during the 1850s. The series follows two families, one wealthy and the other poor, who become embroiled in a bitter conflict after a murder shakes their community. Constance Van Ness (Gillian Anderson), a wealthy matriarch, is determined to expand her husband’s mining business, while Fiona (Lena Headey), a European immigrant, leads the Jasper Hollow ranch with her adopted children. The show explores themes of loyalty, ambition, power struggles, and revenge.
However, the series faced several challenges even before it aired, including a highly publicized departure of creator Kurt Sutter, which raised concerns about its future direction.
Key Features of The Abandons
| Key Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Western, Drama |
| Main Cast | Lena Headey, Gillian Anderson, Nick Robinson, Diana Silvers |
| Creator | Kurt Sutter (initially), Otto Bathurst (director), Rob Askins (co-executive producer) |
| Setting | 1850s Old West, Washington Territory |
| Themes | Power struggles, family loyalty, ambition, murder, and revenge |
Despite its striking cinematography and a compelling premise, the series has not been without its flaws. Reviews have been lukewarm at best, with many critics highlighting a lack of character development and pacing issues. However, the performances from the leads, particularly Lena Headey and Gillian Anderson, have received praise.
Has Netflix Renewed The Abandons for Season 2?
As of now, Netflix has not officially renewed The Abandons for a second season. While the series performed well in terms of viewership, its mixed reviews have made its future uncertain. As with any Netflix show, several factors contribute to the renewal decision, and ratings are just one piece of the puzzle.
Viewership Performance: A Mixed Bag
Despite the mixed critical reception, The Abandons has had a solid presence in Netflix’s weekly Top 10 charts. In its opening four days, the show ranked #4 globally, amassing 37 million viewing hours and 7.3 million completed views. This performance puts it in a somewhat favourable position, but it’s important to note that several other Netflix shows with similar or better numbers have not been renewed, particularly when they involved large budgets.
Comparison with Other Netflix Shows
| Show | Opening Week Performance | Renewal Status |
|---|---|---|
| The Abandons | 37 million hours, 7.3 million views | Renewal uncertain |
| Ransom Canyon | Similar opening numbers | Renewed for season 2 |
| The Waterfront | Larger budget, similar debut | Not renewed |
| The Residence | Higher budget, mixed reviews | Not renewed |
Given its large budget and mixed reviews, The Abandons falls into the “50/50” territory in terms of renewal prospects. Netflix has not yet indicated whether it is satisfied with its viewership or if it will continue for another season.
What to Expect from The Abandons Season 2?
While The Abandons has yet to be officially renewed, the finale of Season 1 left viewers with a major cliffhanger, which opens up several potential plotlines for a second season.
The Cliffhanger Ending
In the season finale, Fiona (Lena Headey) and Constance (Gillian Anderson) face off in a dramatic confrontation at the Van Ness estate. Fiona and her allies set the estate ablaze in a fiery inferno, and the two women fight amidst the flames. The episode ends with a single black silhouette standing in front of the fire, leaving viewers unsure of who survived. This ending leaves plenty of room for speculation and sets the stage for a dramatic continuation of the story.
What Could Happen in Season 2?
If The Abandons does get renewed, Season 2 will likely explore the fallout from the fiery confrontation between Fiona and Constance. There are several possible directions the show could take, including:
- The Aftermath of the Fire: The survivors of the blaze will likely have to deal with the emotional and physical scars of the fire, which could lead to new alliances and rivalries.
- Family Feuds Escalate: With both families entrenched in their struggle for power, Season 2 could dive deeper into the personal conflicts and betrayals that have been hinted at throughout Season 1.
- Exploring New Frontiers: With the Old West as the backdrop, Season 2 might introduce new settings, outlaws, and challenges, as the frontier is a world of constant change and danger.
“The cliffhanger ending sets the stage for a much more intense power struggle in season 2. Expect to see the conflicts reach new heights as both families fight for survival and dominance,” says TV critic Alice Reynolds.
Why Netflix May Hesitate to Renew The Abandons?
While the show’s viewership numbers are promising, the uncertain future of The Abandons also hinges on several key factors:
1. Creative Struggles Behind the Scenes
The Abandons faced significant behind-the-scenes challenges, notably the departure of creator Kurt Sutter just weeks before filming concluded. Sutter’s exit due to creative differences especially concerning episode durations and budget overruns, meant that the final product did not have his original vision. This has led to some inconsistencies in the show’s tone and pacing, which may have impacted its reception.
“The departure of Kurt Sutter was a significant blow to the show. When the creative direction changes mid-production, it can lead to a lack of cohesion in the final product,” says entertainment analyst Mark Thompson.
2. Audience Reception and Critical Feedback
Mixed reviews have also played a role in the uncertainty surrounding the series. While Lena Headey and Gillian Anderson have been praised for their performances, critics have noted issues with pacing and character development. With audiences often expecting a deeper exploration of the Old West and its characters, the lack of strong character arcs may have left some viewers unsatisfied.
Final Thoughts: Will The Abandons Get a Season 2?
While Netflix has not officially confirmed a second season of The Abandons, the series still has a shot at renewal thanks to its decent viewership and engaging cliffhanger ending. However, the creative struggles and mixed critical reception may give Netflix pause when making a decision.
For now, fans will have to wait for an official announcement regarding the fate of the show. If The Abandons does return, there’s a lot to look forward to in terms of character development, power struggles, and thrilling Western drama. Whether it happens or not will depend on Netflix’s confidence in the show’s long-term potential and the feedback it receives in the coming months.
FAQs
There is no official release date for season 2 yet, as Netflix has not confirmed the renewal.
Kurt Sutter, the original creator of The Abandons, departed the show due to creative differences, and his vision did not influence the final product.
The season finale ends on a cliffhanger, and viewers are left wondering who survived the fire. The identity of the survivor remains ambiguous.
If renewed, season 2 may introduce new characters and settings, as the Old West offers endless opportunities for new conflicts and storylines.
